Hazelwood West High School: A Legacy of Achievement
Hazelwood West High School, located at 1 Wildcat Lane in Hazelwood, Missouri, has a rich history and a tradition of fostering successful individuals. As one of the three high schools within the Hazelwood School District (HSD), it has played a significant role in shaping the lives of countless students. This article explores the school's history, its notable alumni, and its commitment to academic and athletic excellence.
A History of Growth and Adaptation
The story of Hazelwood West High School begins in 1969 with the opening of Howdershell Jr. High. As Hazelwood Senior High School (now Hazelwood Central) faced overcrowding in 1974, Hazelwood West High School began, and students attended classes on split shifts in the afternoons. The first graduating class was in 1975. In the fall of 1975, a greatly expanded building opened as a six-year facility, housing students in grades seven through twelve. This evolution reflects the changing needs of the Hazelwood School District and its dedication to providing quality education to a growing student population.
In 2002, all district junior high schools were renamed middle schools. In 2005, two new building additions were added: a band room near the main entrance and a three-story classroom wing in the rear of the former middle school section. With the completion of six new middle schools in 2007: Hazelwood Central Middle School, Hazelwood North Middle School, Hazelwood Northwest Middle School, Hazelwood East Middle School, Hazelwood Southeast Middle School, and Hazelwood West Middle School, Hazelwood West was designated solely as a high school.
Notable Alumni: A Testament to Success
Hazelwood West High School has produced a diverse array of accomplished alumni who have made their mark in various fields, from professional sports to politics. These individuals exemplify the school's commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a spirit of achievement.
Athletics
- Morgan Burkhart ('90): A Major League Baseball player, Burkhart's success on the diamond serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
- Trevor Gaylor ('96): After playing wide receiver at Miami University from 1996-2000, Gaylor was drafted by the San Diego Chargers in 2000, showcasing his talent and dedication to football.
- Lamark Brown ('07): A versatile athlete who excelled in football, Brown played for the Minnesota Vikings after being signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2012. He went on to play with the Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Kyle McClellan ('02): Another Major League Baseball player, McClellan's journey to the professional ranks demonstrates the potential for success that Hazelwood West instills in its students.
- Al Nipper ('77): Nipper's career as a Major League Baseball player highlights the long-standing tradition of athletic excellence at Hazelwood West.
- David Phelps ('05): After a successful pitching career at Notre Dame, Phelps was drafted by the New York Yankees in 2008 and went on to play in Major League Baseball.
- Rob Riti ('95): An All-American football player, Riti's achievements on the gridiron exemplify the dedication and hard work fostered at Hazelwood West.
- Eric Sansouci ('01): A collegiate baseball player for Northern Illinois University from 2004-2005, Sansouci's commitment to the sport reflects the passion for athletics cultivated at Hazelwood West.
Politics and Public Service
- Pat O'Connor ('78): As a member of the Missouri House of Representatives, O'Connor's service to the community demonstrates the commitment to civic engagement instilled at Hazelwood West.
Hall of Fame Inductees: Celebrating Athletic Excellence
The Hazelwood West High School Athletics Department has established a Hall of Fame to honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the school's athletic legacy. The 2013 Hall of Fame class included:
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- Steve Mayes (HWHS Class of 1993): A standout soccer and baseball player, Mayes earned All-Conference Second Team honors in 1992 and 1993 and recorded 17 shutouts. He continued his soccer career at Missouri State University and was later drafted by the Pensacola Flyers in the Eastern Indoor Soccer League.
- Robert Riti (HWHS Class of 1995): A three-sport athlete in track and field, wrestling, and football, Riti was recognized with All-Suburban North Conference and All-Metro football team selections. He went on to play football at the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning All-Big XII Center honors in 1998 and All-Big XII Center, Consensus All-American Center, Walter Camp Foundation - All-American Center, and Coaches - All-American Center accolades in 1999.
- Frank E. Burkhart: A coach and administrator at Hazelwood West from 1974 to 2006, Burkhart was inducted into the Hazelwood West Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. He served as the head baseball coach from 1974 to 1981, achieving a record of 91 wins and 49 losses. He led the 1977 team to a Conference Championship and the 1978 team to a third-place finish in the state tournament.
- LaMark Brown (HWHS Class of 2007): A three-sport athlete in track and field, basketball, and football, Brown earned numerous First Team All-Conference, All-Metro, and All-State honors. He was a two-time State Champion in the 4x100 meter race and finished third in the long jump competition. He played football at Kansas State University and Minnesota State - Mankato and was signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2012.
- Ben Solari (HWHS Class of 2008): A dedicated swimmer and diver, Solari was a two-time state swimming champion in the 100-meter breaststroke and 200-meter individual medley. He received The Ernie Vornbrock Award for Outstanding Male Swimmer and was named "Athlete of the Year" by the North County Journal and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. He continued his swimming career at the University of New Orleans and the University of Pittsburgh, earning CSCAA Scholar Athlete All-American honors.
Academic Achievements and Initiatives
Hazelwood West High School is committed to providing a comprehensive education that prepares students for success in college and beyond. The school offers a variety of academic programs and initiatives designed to challenge and engage students.
Hazelwood West High School senior Alexis Wahome is making her school and community proud with a series of remarkable achievements. Earning a 35 on the ACT is no small feat. The ACT, a standardized test used for college admissions, measures a student’s readiness for college-level work across English, mathematics, reading, and science. Each section is scored on a scale of 1-36, and the composite score is the average of these scores. “I had a big dream and an even bigger tenacity,” said Alexis. But Alexis’s accomplishments extend far beyond the classroom. Over the summer, she traveled to Atlanta to compete in the National High School Computer Competition during the Black Data Processing Associates (BDPA) National Conference. Their impressive performance earned recognition from the St. Hazelwood West and the entire Hazelwood School District community celebrate Alexis for her outstanding accomplishments.
The Hazelwood School District is excited to announce the launch of the HSD Podcast, a new communications platform designed to amplify the voices, stories, and successes from across the district.
A Focus on Community and Equity
Hazelwood West High School is an integral part of the Hazelwood community, and the school is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
The horrific, depraved murder of George Floyd left many in our community shocked and enraged. That anger has been further amplified by the senseless murder of Breonna Taylor and now Rayshard Brooks, all unarmed African Americans who were killed by the police. These and other recent instances of lethal attacks against African Americans are unacceptable. This is an American issue, not a black issue. As such, we all have a collective responsibility to fight against the ills of racism. The HSD Board of Education stands in solidarity with the millions of Americans stepping forward in this fight.
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